Patient Turns Her Cancer Diagnosis Into a Mission To Spread Joy
Key Takeaways:
- Flamingos became a symbol of positivity during a patient's breast cancer journey, inspiring small acts of kindness to brighten the days of others at Moffitt Cancer Center
- Participating in races benefitting cancer across the country helps raise awareness, support research and encourage others facing similar challenges
- Miles for Moffitt brings together survivors, caregivers, families and supporters with a shared goal of advancing cancer research and making a difference in the fight against cancer
If you see flamingo decor around Moffitt Cancer Center, odds are Kari Gomez placed it there.
Placing flamingos around the cancer center became a way for Gomez to bring smiles to people’s faces, knowing firsthand the impact cancer can have.
“Going through my own cancer diagnosis, flamingos became something that made me smile,” Gomez said. “I started bringing flamingo decor with me anytime I was at Moffitt to hand out or set out on a table in hopes that it could brighten someone’s day.”
Gomez participates in races like Miles for Moffitt to raise awareness, support research and encourage others on their cancer journeys.
When Life Changed
In 2018, Gomez was referred to Moffitt after a mammogram revealed a suspicious finding. She was diagnosed with atypical ductal hyperplasia, a benign condition in which abnormal cells form in the lining of the breast’s milk ducts.
Years later, Gomez noticed that her right breast felt abnormal, which led to a breast cancer diagnosis at age 48.
Her treatment plan included a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation.
“Before my cancer diagnosis I was a very active person, and I didn’t want my diagnosis to take that away from me,” Gomez said.
Racing For a Cause
Now 51, Gomez continues to lead an active lifestyle while undergoing maintenance treatment for her disease.
“My friends and I participate in races that support cancer all over the country,” Gomez said. “We first started doing it to help raise awareness, and now we make a whole weekend trip out of it every time.”
One of the races the group participates in is Miles for Moffitt, an annual community event that raises money for cancer research. The event brings together runners, walkers, cancer survivors, caregivers and supporters who share a common goal of ending cancer.
“We all dress up in pink and flamingo accessories and truly just embrace it,” Gomez said.
Gomez emphasizes that everyone’s cancer journey is different, but events such as Miles for Moffitt bring people together around a shared goal.
“All of us know how much cancer sucks — there is no better way to say it — but I always try to encourage people to stay positive,” Gomez said.
2026 Miles for Moffitt:
This year’s event will take place Saturday, Nov. 21, at Benchmark International Arena.
Participants can choose from several race options, including a 10K, 10K wheelchair division, 5K run, 5K walk, 1K fun run/walk, Kids Dash, 10K and 5K Challenge, and virtual at-home options.
